Germany’s ambassadors to Canada, Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg, were seen in an engaging setting on October 25, in Ottawa, capturing the attention of the diplomatic community. Dave Chan/The Globe and Mail
Tjorven Bellmann holds the distinguished title of Germany’s ambassador to Canada, a role she is intimately familiar with, sharing both life and work with her husband, who will succeed her in this pivotal diplomatic position.
In a groundbreaking initiative hailed by Global Affairs Canada, Germany has made history by appointing a married couple to simultaneously share the role of ambassador in Ottawa, signaling a progressive, family-oriented shift in the workplace culture adopted by the Foreign Office in Berlin.
Ms. Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg arrived in Canada in July, accompanied by their three children, embarking on an innovative arrangement where each diplomat will serve eight-month terms in their ambassadorial duties. This collaborative approach is set to persist over the four-year duration of their assignment, with only the active ambassador receiving a salary during their tenure.
Ms. Bellmann has undertaken the first phase and is anticipated to complete her initial stint by the end of March. “It’s encouraging to see the Foreign Service adapting to modern family dynamics and evolving labor market demands; this evolution certainly piques interest,” she shared during an insightful interview.
At the same time, Mr. Lüttenberg is focusing on domestic responsibilities, actively participating in the upbringing of their children, who are aged 10, 12, and 15.
“That’s quite rewarding,” he expressed. “The children deeply appreciate having a parent consistently available to assist with school pick-ups, answer their inquiries, and provide necessary support.”
“This flexibility has been liberating compared to our previous lives in Berlin, where we rushed to fit everything into tightly scheduled mornings,” he noted. “Although we had wonderful support with a nanny, nothing equates to the involvement of a parent in their daily lives.”
After dedicating 11 years working as behind-the-scenes diplomats at the German Foreign Office in Berlin, the couple is now embracing a more public and influential role.
Since 2017, the German Foreign Service has been exploring innovative job-sharing models. The arrangement of couples sharing ambassadorial responsibilities had previously been implemented in Slovenia and Sweden, with Ms. Bellmann and Mr. Lüttenberg becoming the third couple to undertake such an arrangement.
Mr. Lüttenberg explained that it was Foreign Service staff seeking a better work-life balance who initially proposed this model, which has received enthusiastic backing from Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister, reflecting her commitment to making the Foreign Service a competitive employer.
The unique setup has generated interest among other diplomats in Ottawa, with many expressing a desire for similar arrangements. “Colleagues from various international missions regularly voice their admiration, saying, ‘We would like to have that, too,’” said Mr. Lüttenberg.
While some Canadian diplomats have shown interest, Global Affairs Canada currently does not support a similar model. In a statement, spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod acknowledged the importance of supporting families stationed internationally but clarified that joint accredited ambassadors have not yet been established.
Of the German initiative, Ms. MacLeod described it as an “innovative approach” and highlighted that it marks the first time an embassy in Canada has been led by a married couple sharing the ambassadorial role.
Ms. Bellmann emphasized that the successful execution of this arrangement relies on both partners being at a similar professional level. “A significant disparity in experience wouldn’t facilitate this dynamic effectively,” she noted thoughtfully.
The couple’s shared commitment and experience have positioned them perfectly to exchange roles as they represent Germany on Canadian soil.
Eager for a chance to spend quality family time, the couple viewed Canada as the ideal destination for their new diplomatic chapter together. Dave Chan/The Globe and Mail
Mr. Lüttenberg’s journey to the diplomatic sphere started during his law studies, which ignited his passion for the Foreign Service. Upon completing his legal education, he pursued a career in diplomacy, beginning as a trainee at the German diplomat academy. His diplomatic career took off in 2003, the same year he first met Ms. Bellmann, starting as an attaché in Bonn and later taking on various prestigious roles, including serving as a desk officer for Russia and as a political officer in Tel Aviv. Most recently, he held the position of director-general for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia while based in Berlin.
Enthusiastically, the couple recognized Canada as a perfect backdrop for spending more time together as a family, appreciating its exciting culture, abundance of activities, and the opportunity to foster deep bilateral relations.
“I had always dreamed of visiting Canada, but this was my first opportunity to see it in person,” Mr. Lüttenberg shared with excitement.
Ms. Bellmann commenced her duties in mid-August, and together they had the honor of formally presenting their credentials to the Governor-General in September.
“Upon arriving, we swiftly dropped off our belongings and embarked on an exploration of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland with our children, awaiting the arrival of our furniture—it was an unforgettable adventure introducing them to the country,” recalled Ms. Bellmann fondly. “We created lasting memories.”
“Our children had the astonishing experience of witnessing their first humpback whale and encountering a moose in the wild,” Mr. Lüttenberg added, recalling the wonders of nature they encountered.
Ms. Bellmann expressed her enthusiasm for her new responsibilities, ensuring that Mr. Lüttenberg stays updated on pertinent embassy matters. “As we transition responsibilities, we are committed to a thorough handover process, ensuring nothing critical slips through the cracks,” she stated with determination.
Mr. Lüttenberg is actively engaging in essential discussions at embassy events while keeping a close eye on his work emails to remain informed about ongoing developments in Berlin. “Monitoring current affairs allows me to transition smoothly into my upcoming role without starting from scratch,” he explained pragmatically.
What inspired Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg to propose a job-sharing model for ambassadorship in Canada?
**Interview with Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg, Germany’s Ambassadors to Canada**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tjorven and Matthias. It’s remarkable to see a married couple share the role of ambassadorship in Canada. Can you tell us how this arrangement came about?
**Tjorven Bellmann:** Thank you for having us! This arrangement was inspired by discussions among Foreign Service staff who were seeking better work-life balance. We proposed the job-sharing model to Germany’s Foreign Office, and it received enthusiastic support from Minister Annalena Baerbock. We’re honored to be the third couple to adopt this model, following successful examples in Slovenia and Sweden.
**Matthias Lüttenberg:** Absolutely. It allows us to balance our professional and family lives more effectively. We truly believe it’s an innovative approach for the Foreign Service, adapting to modern family dynamics.
**Interviewer:** How do the responsibilities split between the two of you during your time in office?
**Matthias Lüttenberg:** We alternate our ambassadorial duties in eight-month terms. Tjorven is currently in her first term and will complete it by the end of March. During this time, I am focusing more on our family responsibilities, which has been incredibly rewarding.
**Tjorven Bellmann:** Yes, the flexibility allows one of us to be actively involved in our children’s lives, which is something we missed when we were both working full-time in Berlin.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a fulfilling experience. How have your children adjusted to this change?
**Matthias Lüttenberg:** They are enjoying it! Having a parent available for school pick-ups and homework is a big deal for them. This consistency is important, and they appreciate it a lot.
**Interviewer:** Canada seems to be a great place for this new chapter. What draws you to this country for your diplomatic work?
**Tjorven Bellmann:** Canada’s culture is vibrant, and there’s so much to explore as a family. We saw this as an ideal opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and it presents an exciting backdrop for our diplomatic roles.
**Interviewer:** Other diplomats in Ottawa have expressed interest in your arrangement. Do you think other countries will follow suit?
**Matthias Lüttenberg:** It will be interesting to see! We’ve received positive feedback from colleagues, and I believe this model could inspire similar initiatives within other diplomatic missions. However, it really depends on each country’s capacity to adapt.
**Interviewer:** How do you envision the future of this model within the German Foreign Service?
**Tjorven Bellmann:** We hope that our successful experience here will encourage the Foreign Service to consider more flexible arrangements in other contexts. It’s essential for competitive employment and helping diplomats maintain healthy family lives.
**Matthias Lüttenberg:** Indeed, it’s about prioritizing family while advancing our diplomatic roles. If we can pave the way for future couples in the Foreign Service, then we’ve really achieved something meaningful.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for this enlightening conversation. Your innovative approach is certainly a positive step forward in diplomacy.
**Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg:** Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to share our story.